(HOLLAND, MI.) – The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) is alerting the public that one person has tested positive for West Nile virus in Ottawa County. The person was hospitalized. As of today, no deaths have been reported. The person has no recent travel history and likely became infected from a mosquito bite in West Michigan.

This is the county's first human case of West Nile virus this year.

"Most people who get West Nile virus never know they had it, but it can make some people very sick," said Gwen Unzicker, MD, OCDPH Medical Director. "The good news is that a few simple habits go a long way. Even though we're heading into fall, it's important to continue to use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and dump out any standing water around your home. This case is a reminder that the mosquitoes carrying this virus are active right here, so it is worth taking those steps now."

West Nile virus spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes pick it up from infected birds and pass it on when they bite. Cases show up during mosquito season, which runs from summer into fall. Mosquitoes stay active until the first hard freeze.

Symptoms

Most people who are infected have no symptoms. About one in five develops a fever along with some mix of headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.

A small number of people get seriously ill when the virus affects the brain or spinal cord. Warning signs include a high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, or seizures. These need medical care right away.

What to do if you feel sick

There is no vaccine for West Nile virus and no medicine that treats it directly. Most people get better on their own with rest and fluids. If you have a fever with a bad headache, a stiff neck, or confusion, see a health care provider and mention any recent time when you might have been around mosquitoes.

How to protect yourself

The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label. Find the repellent that is right for you.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Empty standing water around your home at least once a week. Check things like buckets, kiddie pools, old tires, birdbaths, and plant saucers.

For more information, visit miottawa.org/outdoorhealth or michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/west-nile.

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health for all. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people. Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth or Instagram @miOCDPH. Report a health concern at miottawa.org/concern.

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